ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Secretary Department of Youth Affairs & Secretary Sports participate in the Clean India drive at Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri today as part of month-long nationwide Clean India campaign
Key Highlight
- Unions Minister of YAS Shri Anurag Thakur started the month-long Clean India Programme from 1st October 2021
- Cleanliness Drive being taken up as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to ensure people’s participation in cleaning waste mainly single use plastic waste
Secretary of Department of Youth Affairs Ms. Usha Sharma and Secretary of Department of Sports Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi participated in Clean India drive at Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri today morning along with volunteers. Smt. Usha Sharma administered the Swachhta Pledge before the beginning of the cleanliness drive. Officials of Ministry of Youth Affairs, NYKS & NSS were present on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Ms. Usha Sharma said that the Department of Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in commemoration of Azadi KaAmrit Mahotsava is organizing nationwide Clean India Programme from 1st October 2021 to 31st October 2021. The programme is being organised in 6 Lakh villages of 744 Districts across the country through the networks of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan  affiliated Youth Clubs & National Service Scheme affiliated Institutions.
Ms. Usha Sharma further said that through this mega initiative, we have set the target of collecting 75 Lakh kg waste mainly plastic waste with the support and voluntary participation of citizen. “People of all section of the society are contributing in this programme and making this program a People’s Movement through Jan Bhagidari,” she added.
Speaking on the occasion Secretary of Department of Sports Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi said that through this programme we are trying to change the attitude of people, its only when people understand the importance of cleanliness that they make a habit of it.
Clean India is a youth-led programmebeingorganised through the networks of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan , affiliated Youth Clubs & National Service SchemeAffiliated Institutions as well as a cross -section of various stakeholders. Specific segments of population such as Religious bodies, Teachers, Corporate Bodies, TV and Film Actors, Women’s Group and others are also participating in the Clean India Programme on a particular designated day to show their solidarity for the cause and making it public movement. The Cleanliness Drives is being undertaken at historic/iconic locations and hotspots such as Tourist Places, Bus Stand/Railway Stations, National Highway and Educational Institutions.
Swacchta Abhiyan was started by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi during 2014 and since then, remarkable headway can be noticed in this regard. The Clean India Programme is continuation of initiative spearheaded by the Prime Minister with renewed focus and commitment. It is expected that with the collective efforts of youth and fellow citizens and support from all stakeholders, India will without doubt embark on cleanliness drives and create better living conditions for its citizen.
Prime Minister's Office
An article on contribution of blue economy in India's GDP
The Prime Minister Office has shared an article by the Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijuju on World Ocean Day.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted :
"Union Minister @KirenRijiju Ji writes how India, with its extensive coastline and maritime resources, is focusing on harnessing the potential of its blue economy."
Ministry of Defence
President Confers Vayu Sena Medal  to Flight Lieutenant Anand Singh Flying 
Flight Lieutenant Anand Singh is on the posted strength of a MiG-21 Bison Squadron operating from Srinagar at an altitude of 1680 meters. He is a Fully Ops pilot with 490 hrs of service flying and only 129 hrs solo on type.
Afterburner  failure after take-off is one of the most critical emergencies on the single engine MiG 21 aircraft as it reduces the thrust available and results in a sudden loss of height close to the ground. The criticality of the emergency gets compounded manifold while operating from a highaltitude airfield such as Srinagar wherein the thrust available is 12% lower as compared to when operating from the plains.A safe recovery from this emergency requires razor sharp reactions, exceptional flying skill, and nerves of steel to fly the aircraft at low speeds at low levels.
On 13 May 2020, Flight Lieutenant Anand Singh was authorised to fly a PI sortie. After getting airborne, at a height of 30-40 m above ground level, he experienced an afterburner failure which resulted in a significant loss of power and loss of height. Maintaining his calm, Flight Lieutenant Anand Singh checked his engine parameters, identified the emergency and took correct recovery actions, while continuing to fly the aircraft meters above the ground at very low speeds. Inspite of being faced with a grave danger to his life and the safety of the aircraft, he skilfully manoeuvered the aircraft with the limited power available in a professional manner to fly it out of danger and recover it safely off a partial flaps landing. The prompt and professional manner in which he identified the emergency, took correct emergency actions and handled the aircraft in a professional manner keeping in with the highest traditions of the IAF inspite of his limited experience resulted in the saving of an aircraft. With his conspicuous bravery, the officer averted certain loss of an aircraft and civilian lives on ground
For act of exceptional courage under exceptional hazard to his life, superlative situational awareness and extraordinary flying skill, Flight Lieutenant Anand Singh is awarded Vayu Sena Medal .
Ministry of Home Affairs
Opening of SBI Accounts by NGOS
Prior to enactment of The Foreign Contribution  Amendment Act 2020, exclusive FCRA bank accounts could be opened in any branch of scheduled banks. The Foreign Contribution  Amendment Act 2020, mandates that each FCRA NGO has to now compulsorily open ‘FCRA account’ in SBI, Main Branch, New Delhi for initial remittance/receipt of foreign contribution  from a foreign source. The State Bank of India has informed that as on 31.07.2021, total of 18377 designated FCRA accounts have been opened with SBI, New Delhi Main Branch.
The details of Foreign Contribution  received during last three years as reported in Annual Returns filed by NGOs is given below: -

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Financial Year
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Foreign Contribution  received by NGOs 
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2017-18
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16940.58
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2018-19
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16525.73
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2019-20
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15853.94
In view of Covid-19 led constraints as well as to ensure smooth transition to the amended FCRA regime, the FCRA NGOs were allowed to receive FC in their old FCRA accounts until 30 June 2021. Receipt of FC in SBI, New Delhi Main Branch has been made mandatory only from 1st July 2021 onwards.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
5.06 kgs Gold and electronic goods totally worth Rs.2.68 crores seized by Chennai Air Customs from 10 passengers. Five passengers arrested.
Based on intelligence, 10 male passengers, who arrived from Dubai to Chennai by EK-544 and UL-121  on 20.10.2021 at 0840 hrs were intercepted at exit gate and detained by the AIU officers.
On examination of their checked in baggage, Gold foils concealed inside the used laptops& tablets were detected and recovered. A total of 5.06 kgs of 24K Gold worth Rs.2.19 crores was recovered and seized. Further, undeclared electronic goods worth Rs.48.6 lakhs were also seized under Customs Act, 1962. Five passengers were arrested.
Further investigation is in progress, according to a press release issued by the Pr. Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Tourism
Union Minister for Tourism & Culture and DoNER holds review meeting with officials Tourism Departments of Punjab, Haryana & UT of Chandigarh
Synergy among various programmes of the Central and State governments a must for realization of maximum benefits in tourism sector: Shri G Kishan Reddy
Heritage Circuit under Swadesh Darshan sanctioned by Tourism Ministry in Punjab for development of Anandpur Sahib-Fategarh Sahib-Chamkaur Sahib-Ferozpur-Amritsar among others
Union Minister for Tourism & Culture and DoNER in a meeting today reviewed the status of various projects under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive  and Swadesh Darshan Schemes of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The meeting was held in Chandigarh at Haryana Raj Bhawan with officials from Tourism Department of the states of Punjab, Haryana & UT of Chandigarh & representatives from Institute of Hotel Managements.
Union Minister for Tourism & Culture and DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy during meeting with the officials at Haryana Raj Bhawan today
Union Minister for Tourism & Culture and DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy during the review meeting with the officials from Tourism department of Punjab, Haryana & UT Chandigarh at Haryana Raj Bhawan today
The Minister also exhorted officials to rope in the corporate sector under Corporate Social Responsibility  for the preservation and conservation of monuments. Shri Reddy said there is a need to create synergy among various programmes of the Central and state governments to realise maximum benefits in the tourism sector. He stressed on the promotion of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ as a brand and emphasized on the need to use social media as a tool for the promotion of the tourism sector.
Shri Kishan Reddy highlighted that the Tourism Ministry has sanctioned a Heritage Circuit under Swadesh Darshan for development of Anandpur Sahib-Fategarh Sahib-Chamkaur Sahib-Ferozpur-Amritsar-Khatkarkalan-Kalanour-Patiala in Punjab.
The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned various projects under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes for Punjab and Haryana including Krishna Circuit, Development of Nada Saheb Gurudwara and Mata Mansa Devi temple in Panchkula, development of Karuna Sagar Valmiki Sthal at Amritsar, tourist amenities at Amritsar railway station/Kurukshetra Railway station , financial assistance for fairs and festivals among others.
Click here for details of tourism related schemes in Punjab
Click here for details of tourism related schemes in Haryana
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of General Insurance Business of Bharti AXA by ICICI Lombard
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of General Insurance Business of Bharti AXA General Insurance Company Limited  by ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited  under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002.
ICICI Lombard is a general insurance company registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India  and is engaged in providing a comprehensive and well-diversified range of general insurance products, including motor, health, fire, personal accident, marine, engineering and liability insurance, through multiple distribution channels.
Bharti AXA is a general insurance company registered with the IRDAI and is a joint venture held by Bharti General Ventures Private Limited  and Societe Beaujon . It is engaged in providing general insurance products, including motor, health, travel, crop and home insurance to its customers.
Pursuant to the proposed combination, the entire general insurance business of Bharti AXA would be transferred by way of a demerger to ICICI Lombard in consideration of issuance of shares by ICICI Lombard to Bharti AXA.
Detailed order of the Commission will follow.
Special Service and Features
Deposits in Mahila Samman crossed Rs.130 Crores in Post Offices of Chennai City Region
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023 locally named in Tamil as "மகளிர் மதிப்புத் திட்டம்" was introduced on 31.03.2023 by Ministry of Finance, exclusively for women and girl children aimed at empowering women and fostering financial inclusion. By offering attractive interest rate, the scheme has quickly gained popularity as a preferred savings scheme among women and other members of public.
An account under this scheme can be opened by a woman for herself or by the guardian on behalf of minor girl child with minimum amount of Rs.1000/- and any sum in multiples of one hundred rupees with maximum deposit of Rs.2 lakh. The scheme offers a higher interest rate of 7.5% p.a, compounded quarterly for a term of 2 years. Premature closure of the account is allowed, any time after 6 months with conditions. Partial withdrawal upto 40% of eligible balance can be availed after the expiry of one year from the date of opening of the account.
The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate provides a safe and secure investment avenue, backed by the highest standards of trust and integrity. Additionally, it offers competitive interest rate, ensuring that your hard earned money grows steadily over time that best aligns with your financial goals.
As on 26.05.2023, Chennai City Region has opened 18,266 accounts under Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme with deposit amount of Rs.134.24 Crores. Special Camps/ Melas are also being conducted at various places across Chennai City Region for opening of Mahila Samman Savings certificate. This is a one-time new small savings scheme and will be available upto 31.03.2025 only. Members of public are requested to visit their nearby Post Office today and open an account under Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme to avail its benefits.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Executive Director of World Food Programme Mr David Beasley calls on Union Agriculture Minister Shri Tomar
World Food Programme Executive Director appreciated India's work in agriculture and food sector
Executive Director of the World Food Programme , Mr. David Beasley, called on the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Mr. Beasley lauded India's achievements in the Agriculture and Food sector and hoped that India will continue to provide its support for the smooth supply of food grains to the world in association with the World Food Programme.
Welcoming the World Food Programme delegation led by Mr. Beasley, Shri Tomar said that India and the WFP have been working closely in the agriculture sector since 1968 to ensure food security. Referring to the various schemes being run by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the welfare of farmers, Shri Tomar said that through our Public Distribution System , the Government has distributed free food grains to 80 crore people of India during the Covid pandemic. Apart from meeting its domestic needs, Shri Tomar said that India has provided food grains to many countries, thereby upholding India’s ancient tradition and importance of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ .
Mr. Beasley expressed satisfaction at WFP and India's efforts on Agricultural Development and Food Security, as well as lauded India's progress and said he would highlight India’s achievements in agriculture during the upcoming US Congressional meeting. On being informed by Shri Tomar that next year the International Year of Millets would be celebrated under the leadership of India, Mr. Beasley assured WFP’s full cooperation in the promotion of Nutritious Cereals.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Union Government reviews of price and availability situation of Tomatoes across the nation; Takes key decisions to contain prices
The Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs today chaired an inter-ministerial meeting to take stock of the rise in prices of Tomatoes in some parts of the country including Delhi-NCR. The following key decisions have been taken to ensure that price rise is contained:
- The representatives of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare informed that supply has been hit due to incessant rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka and it will normalize in the next 10 days as monsoon rains are already receding.
- To mitigate the shortfall in availability of Tomatoes in Delhi, Safal has agreed to provide Tomato puree from all its outlets in Delhi at Rs. 25 per 200 gram pack which is equivalent to about 800 grams of Tomatoes. Another larger pack worth 825 grams worth Rs. 85 will also be made available which is equivalent to about 2.5 Kgs of Tomatoes. The stocks have already been moved to all the outlets and the sales will begin from tomorrow  onwards at all booths.
- Tomato producing States will be requested to facilitate augmenting the supply from their respective States to regions which are in short supply including Delhi to improve availability and moderate prices. Tomato producing States have been regularly advised to interact with APMCs, Traders and Transporters to ensure regular supply. The same is being reiterated to 4 major Tomato producing States namely, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh so that prices normalize and supply is augmented immediately.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Dr. Harsh Vardhan visits Dr. RML and Safdarjung Hospitals to personally take stock of preparedness to overcome COVID-19; also interacts with patients
Trauma Center at RML to function as dedicated COVID-19 isolation ward
Super Speciality Block at Safdarjung Hospital converted into exclusive COVID-19 management center
The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan today visited Dr. RML and Safdarjung Hospitals to personally takes stock of preparedness to overcome COVID-19.
At Dr RML Hospital, the Union Minister visited the Flu Corner, emergency care center , trauma center block and corona screening center. After having inspected the working of these centres, the Health Minister expressed satisfaction over the pace of screening process. He also visited the Microbiology Department, which has been handling huge number of samples everyday, where he minutely observed the process of sample receiving & scientific testing. He apprecieted the Department for following due infection control protocol thereby ensuring accuracy as well as authenticity in test results. Keeping in view the emerging requirement of isolation beds, Dr Harsh Vardhan stated that the Trauma Center at Dr RML Hospital will function as dedicated COVID-19 isolation ward.
Subsequently, the Union Minister visited Safdarjung Hospital where he took a detialed review of the facilities available at the Super Specialty Block which has been converted into a state-of-the-art COVID-19 isolation management center, consisting of 400 isolation and 100 ICU beds.
During the detailed review of the management and treatment patients in two hospitals Dr. Harsh Vardhan in his address to the doctors, nurses, hospital and sanitation staff exclusively delaing with COVID-19 patients, stated that they are working tirelessly to provide urgent relief to the patients and create a niche in the result oriented health infrastructure. He also discussed about the challenges being faced by the health sector in containing the effects of COVID -19 in the country. He exhorted them to continue their hard work since it is all for service of humanity. Saluting the commited and focussed hard work of the doctors, and other healthcare professionals in the country, he stated that the country is proud of our dedicated health profesionals. He further stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has engulfed almost entire world. We have tried to check it effectively in India due to regular monitoring and guidence by Prime Minister as well as quick action and support by our health warriors. He added that the war against COVID-19 can be fought diligently by just following the basic tips of hygiene such as regular and proper hand wash, avoiding touching face & eyes and social distancing. He said that Hon’ble Prime Minister has again reiterated these essential precautions during his broadcast to the nation today.
Dr Harsh Vardhan said that lock down is an appropriate opportunity to contain the effect of COVID-19 where everyone’s contribution by staying at home is collectively an important weapon to contain the spread of the disease.
Prime Minister's Office
PM thanks world leaders for their wishes on India crossing 100 crore vaccinations
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has thanked world leaders for their wishes on India crossing 100 crore vaccinations.
In reply to a tweet by Prime Minister of Bhutan, the Prime Minister said;
"Thank you Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering for your kind words on this historic occasion.
We deeply cherish our friendship with Bhutan!
India remains committed in our fight against COVID-19 together with the region and the world."
In reply to a tweet by President of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said;
"Thank you my friend @PresRajapaksa. Recent initiatives such as inaugural international flight to Kushinagar from Sri Lanka and our respective vaccination drives will further strengthen our diverse relationship and enhance interaction between our brotherly people."
In reply to a tweet by President of Maldives, the Prime Minister said;
"Thank you President @ibusolih for your kind wishes.
I am pleased to see the progress of the vaccination drive in the Maldives.
As neighbours and close friends, our partnership to overcome COVID-19 has borne fruit."
In reply to a tweet by Prime Minister of Israel, the Prime Minister said;
"Thank you, PM @naftalibennett. Appreciate your warm words. This milestone has been made possible by India's scientists, health workers and innovators who are also, along with their Israeli counterparts, building the foundations of our knowledge-based strategic partnership."
In reply to a tweet by President of Malawi, the Prime Minister said;
"Thank you Excellency @LAZARUSCHAKWERA for your wishes on India crossing #VaccineCentury.
Vaccine accessibility is a key to fighting the pandemic. We are in it together."
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
IndianOil voted as the Most Trusted Fuel and Lubricant Brand
Kolkata, 26 June 2019
For another successive year, IndianOil has been voted as one of the Most Trusted Fuel and Lubricant Brands in the country by the consumers. IndianOil and its lubricant brand SERVO have been awarded the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands  title. IndianOil was chosen as a trusted brand in Automobiles – Petrol Stations category while SERVO earned the recognition in the Automobiles – Lubricants category.
Voted only by consumers, the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand survey 2019 was conducted with Ipsos, a globally renowned research agency. The survey, held across 15 Indian cities, asked consumers to name the brands they trusted most and rate them on parameters such as quality, value, innovation, social responsibility, brand image, consumer recommendation and reputation.
The award serves as a smart buyer’s guide, helping the Indian consumer make and efficient and informed choice. This annual survey has established itself as a premier, consumer-rated measure of brand excellence.
CG/SSS
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